DI People: projekt202, Neiman Marcus Group, Ryan, and More Make Moves

Across North Texas, companies are promoting and hiring people for leadership positions.

Dallas Innovates covers prominent personnel moves in Dallas-Fort Worth businesses and nonprofits—from the newest startups to well-established companies. Here are the people moves tied to innovation and technology in the region.

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projekt202 gets a new COO

Stacy Henry

Dallas-based projekt202, a provider of experience-driven software strategy, design, and development, has appointed Stacy Henry as its new chief operating officer.

As part of the leadership team, Henry will be tasked with building collaboration between projekt202’s offices and improving the employee experience across the globe. Previously, Henry was the general manager of the Atlanta office of Big Nerd Ranch, in which she enabled growth and the expansion of projekt202’s client list.

“The past year and a half has seen projekt202 continue to grow and evolve as a world-class digital transformation company. As part of that growth, we’re thrilled to have Stacy join our team as COO,” CEO Chris Bohner said in a statement. “Stacy has always brought an amazing drive to everything she does. We’re excited that she is going to bring that same attention and care to the larger organization.”

Neiman Marcus Group appoints an SVP of Digital Business & Customer Strategy

Renée Paradise

Dallas-based luxury brand Neiman Marcus Group has named Renée Paradise as its new senior vice president of Digital Business & Customer Strategy, effective Aug. 16.

Paradise’s new role will be integral in helping NMG maintain its strategy to create integrated luxury retail. She will lead the digital business and elevate NMG’s digital infrastructure. Her career spans business strategy, digital transformation, and customer growth—most recently, she was the SVP of Customer Revenue & Growth at Bloomingdale’s, a role in which she was responsible for driving innovation to expand direct selling online.

“As we continue to invest in our digital business to better serve our customers and provide the ultimate integrated luxury experience, Renée’s accomplished background and experience will be pivotal in propelling us forward,” David Goubert, president and chief customer officer of NMG, said in a statement.

Ryan brings on a chief clients and markets officer

Rebekah Gardner

Dallas-based Ryan, the global tax services and software provider, has added Rebekah Gardner to its team as a principal and senior vice president, chief clients and markets officer.

Gardner has nearly two decades of experience in the public accounting industry. Most recently, she was the central region strategic federal tax services leader at a large accounting firm, and before that, held leadership and sales positions at a Big Four accounting firm and an IT health services company. She brings expertise in managing sales and client service teams, providing tax services to clients, and creating go-to-market strategies for tech platforms.

“Rebekah’s background in the tax industry, coupled with her strong focus on client service and relationship building, will prove invaluable to our clients,” Ryan Chairman and CEO G. Brint Ryan said in a statement. “By offering innovative and thought-provoking solutions for our clients, her team will work to ensure that Ryan solves their most pressing business issues.”

Elara Caring names a COO

Ananth Mohan

Dallas-based Elara Caring, a provider of home healthcare services, has appointed leading operations executive Ananth Mohan as its new chief operating officer.

In his new role, Mohan will be responsible for day-to-day administrative and operational functions. He will also provide support and expertise to ensure Elara Caring meets key operational metrics. Most recently, Mohan served as the president of Enterprise Operations at Cancer Treatment Centers of America, and before that, was an associate partner at McKinsey & Company.

“Ananth is joining Elara Caring at a time when his expertise is needed most,” CEO Scott Powers said in a statement. “The addition of his strong healthcare operations background to our leadership team comes as our company is transitioning to a model that is fit for growth and entering a new period of innovation.”

Ecobat adds a CFO to its leadership team

Jamie Pierson

Irving-based Ecobat, a global provider of recycling batteries, has named Jamie Pierson as its new chief financial officer.

Pierson joins the company from YRC Worldwide, where he was also the CFO. There, he was responsible for operational and financial strategy, along with managing relationships with credit rating agencies, financial and industry analysts, lenders, and shareholders. Overall, Pierson has more than a decade of experience in investment banking, financial restructuring, advisory, and corporate development.

Pierson’s appointment concludes the establishment of Ecobat’s new leadership team. In the past year, the company has named five individuals to its executive team: a chief human resources officer, chief sustainability officer, chief information officer, chief commercial officer, and chief legal officer.

Dallas Regional Chamber names an SVP of Member Engagement

Sharon Carson

The Dallas Regional Chamber, the largest chamber in Dallas-Fort Worth, has hired Sharon Carson as its new senior vice president of Member Engagement.

In her new role, Carson will lead a team that manages relationships with the DRC’s 800-plus member companies. She will help to connect with members every day, ensuring they take advantage of the opportunities. Carson has decades of experience in member engagement, previously serving 18 years at ClubCorp and leading its member relations strategy. She is also the director of Corporate Giving at the Dallas Arboretum and director of Development at the Dallas Institute.

“Sharon has a long and successful record of working in member relations and corporate giving. Her positive, can-do attitude and wealth of experience and expertise will serve the DRC and our member companies well,” Dale Petroskey, president and CEO of the DRC, said in a statement. “Sharon brings great energy and a fresh perspective on how to connect and engage with our members, which is central to the DRC’s mission.”

HALL Group hires a VP of Leasing

Rena Padachy

Dallas-based HALL Group, the diversified company owned by Founder and Chairman Craig Hall and his family, has brought Rena Padachy onto its team as the new vice president of Leasing.

Padachy will join the team tasked with marketing and leasing efforts for HALL Park, a 15-building, 2.2 million-square-foot office development in Frisco. She has more than 14 years of experience in commercial real estate, having marketed and leased more than 25 office buildings throughout her career. Most recently, Padachy was the VP of Capital Markets at commercial real estate firm Edge Realty Partners, and before that, was a director at Cushman & Wakefield.

“Rena is highly respected in the North Texas real estate community and will bring a wealth of experience to HALL Park,” EVP of Leasing Kim Butler said in a statement. “We are excited to expand our team as we ramp up new development that will attract more businesses and corporate relocations to Frisco.”

VERTESS gets a new managing director

Sean McDougall

Fort Worth-based VERTESS, a healthcare mergers and acquisitions advisory firm, has added Sean McDougall to its team as a managing director.

McDougall is widely-recognized expert on reentry and substance abuse treatment operations. He began his 30-year career by founding a substance abuse treatment and community correctional company. There, in his role as CEO, McDougall offered strategic input and support as he provided the guiding vision for the organization. In the past 12 years, he has owned, operated, and invested in more than 22 companies and investment partnerships.

“It is always our focus to provide the best support and guidance to our clients,” Brad Smith, VERTESS managing director and partner, said in a statement. “Sean has built an admirable reputation and pedigree in the SUD treatment community—we are thrilled to have him working with us as we continue to expand our reach in the healthcare market.”

Oaklins Capital Alliance Corp. names a practice leader of its technology group

Jeffrey Goodman

The Dallas office of Oaklins International Capital Alliance Corp. has appointed Jeffrey S. Goodman as the managing director and practice leader of its technology group.

In his new role, Goodman will work on sell-side mergers & acquisitions and capital raising, specializing in information technology. He brings broad experience in M&A and capital raising, having previously worked with data center owners and operators, fiber and infrastructure operators, and SaaS and IaaS providers. He has spent most of his career working for various investment firms in Atlanta, most recently running U.S. operations for Meghraj Capital.

“Jeff built an extensive network during his many years of working and living overseas,” Bryan Livingston, managing director and CEO of Oaklins Capital Alliance, said in a statement. “As a team, we are excited by the unique fit between his cross-border deal experience and the opportunities to work in the technology space with Oaklins offices in key overseas markets.”

Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation appoints a new chairman

Kyle Shidler

The Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation, a Dallas-based provider of outdoor skill, safety, and conservation curriculum to schools, has named Kyle Shidler as its new chairman. He has served for two years on its board.

Shidler has long been active in the Dallas business and conservation communities. He is the retired chief operating officer of Capital One Home Loans, and previously served on the board of the North Texas Food Bank. He will help lead OTF’s efforts to teach outdoor education and promote and fund conservation of wildlife worldwide.

“We have a board and a team that is dedicated to becoming the preeminent outdoor education organization in the country,” Shidler said in a statement. “Our mission is to get kids engaged in the outdoors through a hands-on learning experience and to promote conservation of wildlife. With 100 new schools adding our program to their curriculum last year, we’re looking to double that in the next calendar year on a path to 1,000 schools in over 44 states.”

Juniper Advisory expands its nonprofit M&A team

Brent McDonald

Chris Benson

Adam Davis

Casey Webb

Independent advisory firm Juniper Advisory has made a series of additions in Dallas and Phoenix: Brent McDonald as managing director, Chris Benson as executive director, Casey Webb as executive director, and Adam Davis as an associate.

McDonald previously led the not-for-profit healthcare M&A group at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Benson most recently spent nearly 25 years at the Mayo Clinic. Webb joins Juniper from Huron Consulting, and Davis from Fitch Ratings. Jordan Shields, a partner, said adding the four professionals will enable the firm to continue providing experienced, conflict free, and results oriented advice to its clients.

“Brent, Chris, Casey, and Adam are great additions to our team, each with exceptional experience that they bring to the firm,” Rex Burgdorfer, partner at Juniper Advisory, said in a statement. “Their varied skills and expertise in investment banking, corporate development, hospital operations and advisory work for not-for-profit institutions augment Juniper’s existing industry-leading offerings to our clients.”

GlobalStep adds to its Board of Directors

Roman Kikta

Dallas-based GlobalStep, a provider of technology services, has appointed Roman Kikta to its Board of Directors.

Kikta is a venture capitalist and mobile and internet pioneer. His experience includes creating multiple billion-dollar technology businesses and serving as a managing partner at VC firms. He is also a former founding member and director at Nokia Ventures. As a cultural anthropologist of technology applications, Kikta has visited more than 80 countries to study how people use digital media.

“I am pleased to have Roman join our Board,” CEO Gagan Ahluwalia said in a statement. “His understanding of the global environment and digital trends will be invaluable to GlobalStep as we expand our worldwide service delivery footprint and execute on our growth strategy in the video games and digital product sectors.”